Another ceremonial inauguration of Alyaksandr Lukashenka's presidency is taking place in Minsk. According to the Central Election Commission, he was elected President of Belarus by the people's will in an atmosphere of free and democratic elections.
Alyaksandr Lukashenka has once again taken office as President of Belarus, delivering a solemn oath in the Golden Hall of the Palace of Independence. The ceremony began with the presidential motorcade making its way through the center of Minsk, escorted by motorcyclists.
The ceremony began with the bringing in the Constitution of Belarus, on which Lukashenka placed his hand, reciting the oath in the Belarusian language.
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Ihar Karpenka, presented Lukashenka with documents recognizing him as President.
Lukashenka expressed strong sentiments about national pride, stating, "First of all, I want to congratulate all of us on winning the elections. This victory is not just mine as President. Also, it belongs to millions of Belarusians."
According to him, the Belarusians "once again, by a majority, voted for independence, continuity of politics and a certain future," demonstrating - as he put it - "the maturity of the Belarusian nation" and "the triumph of our unity."
Lukashenka declared that Belarus is now a sovereign and recognized country, even though "no one was interested in Belarus before."
,,-We have created a sovereign state. We have reasons to be proud. Three decades ago, who had heard of the Republic of Belarus? Almost no one. And today? People are talking about us worldwide – today, we mean something! - he told the audience gathered in the Palace of Independence in Minsk.
Lukashenka did not deny the accusations of authoritarianism. Moreover, he discussed them with pride.
,,-Half the world dreams of a dictatorship like the one in Belarus, he said."Freedom of speech? We have it all right. We have more democracy than those who consider themselves models of it. We have a dictatorship of real actions and interests of people," he added.
Over 1,100 guests attended the ceremony. The official announcement of the results had to wait until February 3, although the elections were held on January 26. Lukashenka won 5,136,293 votes, which is precisely 86.82 percent.
lp/ belsat.eu
Translated by PEV
